Patna, March 19 (IANS): Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) president Rakesh Tiwari feels securing the rights for Moin-ul-Haq Stadium on a long-term lease from the state government could be the turning point for the Bihar cricket.

The BCA has acquired the Moin-ul-Haq Stadium from the Bihar government on a long-term lease. The stadium currently serves as the home ground for the Bihar cricket team and has been the site of nine international matches since its establishment in 1969.

The BCA chief recounted the challenges faced by Bihar cricket post the state's bifurcation in 2000.

"This is a dream come true for us. Since the bifurcation of Bihar state in 2000 the main infrastructure went to the Jharkhand Cricket Association. Only Moin-ul-Haq stadium was with us and that too was under the Bihar government," said Rakesh Tiwari.

"It was governed by Bihar state itself, we never got it on lease and we were totally dependent on the permission of Bihar government to use it," he added.

Tiwari further said, "Initially, Moin-ul-Haq was made for football. But when we started our proceedings in 2010, it took 8 long years and it was decided that Moin-ul-Haq stadium would be given to Bihar Cricket to conduct activities of cricket only."

"Prior to 2018, the stadium could also be used by schools for their annual functions, etc but after 2018 it was given to us to conduct cricket activities on a priority basis. We used to pay rent for it about INR 50k," he added.

Despite the challenges, the BCA president and his team remained steadfast in their pursuit. With plans underway to revamp the infrastructure and amenities, the stadium is poised to have world-class facilities.

"But I and the office bearers in BCA kept on trying and never lost hope. Our hard work finally resulted in getting the Moin-ul-Haq stadium on a long-term lease by the Bihar government. And now we plan to make a world-class cricket complex here. I feel this could be the turning point for Bihar cricket," Tiwari added.